Paper Molas

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Paper Molas using drawing techniques learned in class
• Use shape variation (geometric organic free form), space (positive negative), and texture (smooth rough) inspired by the Kuna people from Panama, Central America
• Use quilting techniques (reverse applique, stitching, layering) and design principles (composition balance repetition) based on Traditional Art
• Define Molas (cloth panels that form parts of a blouse for Kuna in Panama)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Mola Blouse With Geometric Design (1913) Hyatt Verrill

2. Read "The Art Of Being Kuna: Layers of Meaning Among the Kuna Woman's Art" by Mari Salvador

3. Discussion Questions "Does it take a long time to make a mola? What can you tell about the Kuna Indians just from seeing photos of them and their Mola Art? What do you think their lives are like? If women make the Molas, what are the jobs of the men on the San Bias Islands? What type of images are not found? What images are found in Molas? Why are these images used? What materials are used? How are the backgrounds of Molas designed? How are patterns used in Molas? Why is color important to Molas? What was the purpose for creating Molas? Why is color important to Molas? What was the purpose for creating Molas? How did you make your art? What tools, materials, and techniques did you use? What is one thing you are proud of in your artwork? What is one thing you would change about your artwork?"

Lesson Activities

1. Choose 12"X 15" Drawing Paper

2. Draw three thumbnail sketches of paper cut outs using drawing techniques (outline contour continuous) for flower cut outs

3. Add symbols (star shaped medallions, flowers, themes). to positive space (flower) of Paper Molas

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Paper Molas for Assigned Table

2. Mola Blouse With Red And Orange Geometric Design Over Plaid Fabric (1922) Mitchell Hedges

3. Discussion Questions "What is the story being told, if any? What do you think happened before this scene? What do you think happened next? How do you think the artist was feeling when they created this artwork? How did the artist line, shape, and color to contribute to the mood or meaning? What title would you give this artwork? What symbols do you notice in the artwork? What does this artwork remind you of? What do you personally relate to or connect with in this picture? How might you feel differently about the world after looking at this picture? What does this artwork say about the culture in which it was produced? How do you think this artwork was used by the people who made it? What was its function?"

Lesson Activities

1. Use paper techniques (folding cutting layering) to add basic shapes (geometric organic free form) to flower cut outs

2. Use paper techniques (folding cutting layering) to fill in the positive space (flower) of the flower cut outs

3. Use paper techniques (folding cutting layering) to add details (glitter star shaped medallions, flowers) to positive space (flower) of Paper Molas

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Paper Molas for Assigned Table

2. Set Up Studio Area (construction paper, scissors, glue sticks)

Lesson Activities

1. Use symbolic colors (white black yellow green brown) to fill in the negative space (background) of flower cut outs

2. Use symbolic colors (white black yellow green brown) to fill in the positive space (flower) of the flower cut outs

3. Add design details (star snow raindrops) to the positive space (flower) of the Paper Molas

Artist Examples

Student Examples